The Last of the Purebreds: Is the F87 BMW M2 Already a Modern Classic?

It's interesting how fast a car can go from being a new model to a modern classic. In my opinion, the F87 M2 has already achieved that status. Looking at where manufacturers are heading, with more screens, added weight, and increased complexity, this car feels like a snapshot from a simpler time. It’s a true rear-wheel-drive, straight-six machine with a manual gearbox. This isn't just a car for moving between stoplights. This is the one you take to your favorite road on the weekend, the one you've been dreaming about since Monday. While it makes a great daily driver, it’s also a weekend powerhouse, plain and simple.

The Heart: N55 vs. S55

Under the hood, you’ll find the N55 engine. It’s not the powerful, twin-turbo S55 from the M3 and M4, but that is not an issue. This is a beefed-up version of the engine found in the M235i, and it has its own unique character. It pulls hard and smoothly, providing a linear push that has plenty of power without feeling like it’s going to break traction. It’s a delightful engine, perfectly suited for this car. It also sounds fantastic, with that gravelly, straight-six growl that just screams "BMW."

What really makes the M2 shine is how it drives. BMW borrowed from the M3/M4 for the chassis, and you can tell from the first corner. It feels direct and firmly planted. You turn the wheel and the car responds instantly with no body roll. The steering, despite its electric assistance, offers a real connection to the front tires. You can feel what’s happening; the classic front-engine, rear-drive balance is unmistakable.

The ride? Yes, it's firm, but it’s not harsh. Those passive dampers just work. There are no complicated settings to play with, just a straightforward, raw driving experience.

Drawbacks

That said, the car isn’t without its issues. The ride is indeed firm. On anything less than a perfectly smooth road, it can feel a bit bumpy, even a bit harsh. I even had to check the date on the tires to see if that was a reason, but it was not. It requires your focus, even at slow speeds, which some might see as a drawback.

However, for true enthusiasts, that’s the point. The interior feels a bit too much like a regular 2-Series. There are no fancy carbon buckets or special dashboards in the base model. It’s practical, sure, but some might say it lacks that special touch expected in a real M car.

Yet, it’s these very traits that bring it closest to the E46 M3 than any other model BMW has made since. The E46 was all about an analog connection. It was a driver’s car, pure and simple. It didn't rely on numerous electronic aids or complex systems to smooth out the ride. It was raw and communicative.

The F87 M2, with its passive dampers and true hydraulic feel in the steering, captures that spirit. It feels like an extension of your body, moving exactly in the way your mind is thinking, much like the E46 did better than almost anything else. The F87 has that same compact, explosive energy. It boasts the right proportions, the right engine in front, and the right-sized chassis for pure fun.

Why the F87 is Winning

Just look at it. It’s a true M car, isn't it? The wide stance, the muscular arches. It resembles a bulldog ready to take on a challenge. You can see the connection to the E46 M3 with its classic, purposeful look.

The F87 M2 is more than just a car, it’s a quiet statement. It proves that a great driving machine doesn’t need to have the most horsepower. It just needs an excellent engine, a great chassis, and a spirit that encourages you to drive beyond your commute. For the driver who believes the journey matters as much as the destination, the F87 M2 remains a gold standard, a perfect mix of power and balance that has earned its spot among the greats.